The U.S. Department of State has announced the opening of its call for proposals for the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Heritage Preservation (AFCP) for 2024. The fund is designed to support preservation and restoration projects of both tangible and intangible cultural properties, with budgets ranging from $10,000 to $500,000.
Applications are open until December 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. This year, priority will be given to proposals that focus on national or regional security. Projects could include improving security measures for museums or archaeological sites, protecting collections, or involving local communities in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Since its inception in 2002, AFCP has provided significant support globally and awarded nearly $1.1 million in grants to Ecuador alone. These grants have been used to preserve archaeological sites, restore historic buildings, and conserve collections and artifacts from pre-Hispanic times.
The initiative underscores the United States' commitment to helping other countries preserve their cultural heritage. "AFCP was created to help other countries conserve their cultural heritage and demonstrate the respect the United States has for other cultures," according to a statement by the U.S. government.
In addition to financial support through AFCP, these efforts reflect the broader consideration of diverse peoples and their ancestral legacies by U.S. Government global programs.
The Manabí wood-fired oven in Ecuador serves as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage certified by Ecuadorian authorities. It symbolizes the Chola and Montubio culture in Manabí province.